Extra quarry sites planned for Warwickshire

Mineral Extraction proposed locations. Image from Warwickshire County Council

Published:11:48Thursday 02 June 2016

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Two more mineral quarries could come to Warwickshire in the latest addition to contentious plans to extract sand and gravel from underground.

Consultation is ongoing for millions of tonnes of minerals to be extracted at nine sites in the county - now with a possible addition of two more in Rugby - by 2031.

Mineral Extraction proposed locations.

Proposed sites include at Wasperton and nearby Glebe Farm, and in villages including Bourton on Dunsmore.

The first of the two new sites now up for debate sits between two farms off the A45 and lies east of the Ryton Roundabout alongside Wolston Lane, up to the edge and rear of Garden Organic.

It is estimated the site could provide up to 800,000 tonnes of sand and gravel.

The second would mean an extension at Shawell Quarry, a small sliver of land along the A5 adjacent to the existing quarry, able to produce “a very small amount of sand and gravel” – approximately 100,000 tonnes

A spokesman for Garden Organic said: “We are aware of the application and we will continue to monitor the situation as we have been for the last 36 months.”

The contentious plans have already raised widespread fears and objection over noise, flooding and widespread environmental impact, as well as the impact of dust, and traffic on communities.

Over 400 residents and campaigners had a say as part of a county council consultation for its Minerals Local Plan which is still being drafted.

Cllr Peter Butlin, cabinet member, said: “The council has a duty to produce a plan and have to allocate sand and gravel sites for future quarrying so we have the materials to build the homes and roads local people in Warwickshire need for the next 15 years.

“This is not easy and difficult decisions have to be made. People have commented on our proposals in great numbers.”

A final draft plan will come before Warwickshire County Council cabinet for approval in the autumn - after which time a second public consultation will be held before the plan is presented to the Government.